2. Polarity
Selecting a battery starts with matching polarity to the standard model used in the vehicle. The description is simple: face the battery terminals toward you. If the plus sign appears on the right, the battery has reverse polarity. Such batteries are common in many modern foreign cars. If the plus sign sits on the left, the battery has direct polarity. These were installed on domestic models through the years, including Grants, Niva, and Niva Travel. In electrical terms the values align, yet it can be difficult to fit a battery with unusual polarity because the cable length may not reach properly.
2. Asians and Europeans
European and Asian batteries differ in size and housing shape, but the major distinction lies in current output. Typically, Asian-made batteries are taller than their European counterparts with the same capacity. This means some European batteries can be used in Asian cars, but not always the other way around. Modern vehicles often route the positive wire through a cluster of fuses. In some situations, such as in Crete, a standard Asian battery will not fit into the European battery recess due to space constraints.
The exterior of an Asian battery usually resembles a rectangular prism with posts that may protrude at the corners, with posts that can be round or flat. European batteries always feature two round posts that sit recessed in dedicated pockets. A common drawback of many Asian units is the increased risk of accidental terminal shorting, especially if clearance is tight. For smaller cars, like compact models, Asian batteries may employ smaller diameter terminal cables, and there are fewer European substitutes available for these sizes.
2. Attachment to the body
Mounting styles vary by region. European cars commonly use a lower mounting point, with a ridge on the body that the clamp bar grasps to secure the battery. Most Asian batteries use a top mounting system, where a bar runs along the top surface of the battery and is fastened by two studs that protrude from the base. In many cases a top-mounted bar can still secure a European battery provided there is enough cable length around the studs. However, a purely Asian design without a lower mounting flange can be challenging to install in a European car. A loosely mounted battery can vibrate strongly, and the active mass inside the plates may shed over time, increasing the risk of failure after months of use.